Programme Regulations 2019–2020 · For e-tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for all modules, the...

Programme Regulations 2019–2020

Global Diplomacy: SOAS Regions Pathways

Global DiplomacyGlobal Diplomacy: South AsiaGlobal Diplomacy: Middle East and North AfricaGlobal Diplomacy: East Asia

MA

Important document – please read This document contains important information that governs your registration, assessment and programme of study

Programme Regulations 2019–2020 Global Diplomacy: SOAS Regions Pathways

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University of London 1

Contents Important information regarding the Programme Regulations ............................................................ 2

1 Structure of the programmes ...................................................................................................... 4

2 Registration ................................................................................................................................. 5

3 Recognition of prior learning and Credit transfer ........................................................................ 5

4 Module selection ......................................................................................................................... 6

5 Assessment for the programme .................................................................................................. 6

6 Number of attempts permitted at an examination ....................................................................... 8

7 Progression within the programme ............................................................................................. 9

8 Schemes of award ..................................................................................................................... 10

Appendix A – Structure of the programmes ..................................................................................... 13

MA in Global Diplomacy .................................................................................................................... 13

MA in Global Diplomacy: South Asia ................................................................................................. 14

MA in Global Diplomacy: Middle East and North Africa .................................................................... 15

Appendix B – Assessment criteria .................................................................................................... 19

Appendix C – Module Descriptions ................................................................................................... 23


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Important information regarding the Programme Regulations

About this document

Last revised 20 January 2020

As a student registered with the University of London you are governed by the current General

Regulations and Programme Regulations associated with your programme of study.

These Programme Regulations are designed and developed by SOAS University of London

which is responsible for the academic direction of the programme. The regulations take

account of any associated arrangements at SOAS University of London.

In addition to Programme Regulations you will have to abide by the General Regulations.

These regulations apply to all students registered for a programme of study with the University

of London and provide the rules governing registration and assessment on all programmes;

they also indicate what you may expect on completion of your programme of study and how

you may pursue a complaint, should that be necessary. Programme Regulations should be

read in conjunction with the General Regulations.

The relevant General Regulations and the Programme Regulations relating to your registration

with us are for the current year and not in the year in which you initially registered.

On all matters where the regulations are to be interpreted, or are silent, our decision will be

final.

Further information about your programme of study is outlined in the Programme Specification

which is available on the SOAS website. The Programme Specification gives a broad overview

of the structure and content of the programme as well as the learning outcomes students will

achieve as they progress.

Terminology

The following language is specific to the Global Diplomacy programmes:

Module: Individual units of the programmes are called modules. Each module is a self-contained, formally structured learning experience with a coherent and explicit set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Elective modules: Pathway specific optional modules that are studied in succession after the

core module(s).

Dissertation development stage: A learning stage that follows each module which develops the skills needed to write and submit a final dissertation. Module convenor: Programme team member who ensures that design and delivery of high

quality learning opportunities are available for students on the module.

Associate tutor: Programme team member who delivers small group teaching, or may be

used for their specialist expertise to lead online seminars.

E-tivity: online assessment task or tasks specified by the Programme Director.

Throughout the Regulations, ‘we’ ‘us’ and ‘our’ mean the University of London; ‘you’ and ‘your’

mean the student, or where applicable, all students.

http://www.london.ac.uk/regs


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Changes to Global Diplomacy: SOAS Regions Pathways Regulations 2019-20

1. The list of elective modules for each of the awards offered under these regulations has

been significantly updated. Refer to Appendix A for full details.

2. The module Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development has been

renamed to Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development. No further changes to

the module have been made.

If you are resitting this module, your second attempt will appear on your transcript under

the new title. Any previous failed attempts will be carried across.

3. The Scheme of Award has been revised to allow the Board of Examiners discretion in

cases where a student’s final classification falls within 2% of the next award. Refer to

Regulations 8.7-8.10 for full information

4. Introduction of new pathway MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia.

5. Introduction of new core module Economy, Politics and Society in East Asia.


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1 Structure of the programmes

Qualifications

1.1

The following named qualifications are awarded under the Global Diplomacy programme suite:

MA Global Diplomacy

MA Global Diplomacy: South Asia

MA Global Diplomacy: Middle East and North Africa

MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia

Postgraduate Diploma in Global Diplomacy - Exit award only

Postgraduate Certificate in Global Diplomacy - Exit award only

Qualification structure

1.2

The MA Global Diplomacy consists of four modules and a dissertation as follows:

One core module

Three elective modules derived from the list of those available.

A dissertation.

1.3

The MA Global Diplomacy: SOAS regions pathways each consist of four modules and a

dissertation as follows:

Two core modules

Two elective modules derived from the list of those available.

A dissertation.

Full details of the programme structures can be found in Appendix A

Exit awards

1.4

If you are registered on the MA and are unable to complete your studies you may be eligible for

an exit award. A related Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded

for the successful completion of either two modules and two dissertation development stages or

four modules and four dissertation development stages respectively.


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2 Registration

Effective date of registration

2.1

Your effective date of registration will be 1 April if you register in March/April, or 1 October if

you register in September/October, of the year in which you initially register.

2.2

If your effective date of registration is:

1 April, you may take your first examinations in August of the same year;

1 October, you may take your first examinations in February of the following year.

Period of registration

See the Programme Specification for the minimum and maximum periods of registration

applicable to these programmes.

3 Recognition of prior learning and Credit transfer

To be read in conjunction with the General Regulations, Section 3.

Recognition of prior learning

3.1

Within this programme there is no provision for recognition or accreditation of prior learning.

Credit Transfer and Blended learning

3.2

You may apply to transfer between Global Diplomacy programmes offered under these

regulations and transfer the credit of relevant modules already passed. We will consider

applications to transfer on an individual basis.

3.3

You may request a transfer to any of the MA Global Diplomacy pathways from another online

programme offered through CISD or CeDEP. Each request will be considered on a case-by-

case basis and will be permitted at the discretion of the relevant Programme Directors on the

basis of past performance and ability to undertake the relevant core module(s). Where modules

can be mapped onto your new programme structure, you will be permitted to carry across full

credit.

3.4

Blended Learning study enables you to combine distance learning study with a period of full-

time study at SOAS. If you are registered on the MA degree and have been allowed to proceed

to the elective modules, you may study up to two elective modules at SOAS on an equivalent

part-time basis in place of online learning modules. There will be restrictions on the availability

of elective modules available for Blended Learning study.

https://london.ac.uk/courses/global-diplomacy

https://london.ac.uk/current-students/programme-documents/regulations


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3.5

If you are registered on an on-campus Postgraduate Degree programme offered through the

Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, you may be eligible to study an individual

module offered under these regulations. The credit obtained will be transferred to your

programme of study. This will be at the discretion of the programme director.

4 Module selection

Appendix A provides details of the programme structures and module titles.

4.1

Modules are normally run in two study sessions during the year, each comprising 16 weeks of

study. You may normally only register for one module per study session.

4.2

In exceptional circumstances only and having shown sufficient progression in the programme,

you may apply to the Programme Director to study two modules in one session.

4.3

You may apply to change your assigned module in consultation with the Programme Director

up to two weeks before the start date for that module. If you have already begun studying the

module your application will not be considered.

5 Assessment for the programme

Assessment methods

You should refer to the VLE for submission deadlines.

5.1

Each module for all MA Global Diplomacy pathways, excluding the Dissertation module, will be

assessed by the completion of six e-tivities. E-tivity 6 will be a 4,500-5,000 word essay

submitted through Turnitin.

5.2

The Dissertation module will be assessed by submission of a 1,500-word dissertation proposal

and the submission of a written dissertation, of approximately 15,000 words. You are required

to complete the four dissertation development stages and submit both elements of assessment

to complete the dissertation module.

5.3

The overall mark for the dissertation module will be based on the combined marks for the

dissertation and the research proposal, scaled to account for, respectively, 85% and 15% of the

overall mark for the module.

5.4

In order to pass any module, including the dissertation module, you must achieve an overall

mark of at least 50%.


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Submission of e-tivities and the dissertation

5.5

Your completed e-tivities and dissertation must be submitted via the Virtual Learning

Environment (VLE) no later than the submission dates given on the module timetables.

5.6

Any submission made after the published deadline will be penalised: Marks will be deducted at

a rate of one (1) mark per day to a maximum of 5 marks for e-tivities submitted up to 5 days

after the deadline. E-tivities will not be accepted if submitted later than 5 days after the

deadline.

5.7

With each submission you must accept the No Plagiarism declaration via the online submission

procedure to confirm that the completed e-tivity is all your own work (except where the terms of

the e-tivity require reference to the work of collaboration with others) and that there has been

no plagiarism.

5.8

Extensions to deadline dates will not be granted.

Where you have provided evidence of mitigating circumstances, penalties for late

submission of e-tivities (submitted up to 5 days after the deadline, where possible) may be

waived, subject to approval by the Programme Director.

5.9

If an assignment exceeds the word limit by the amounts specified below, we will implement the

following deductions.

For e-tivities 2, 3 and 5 for all modules, the following deductions will apply:

Excess length Mark Deduction

Up to and including 30% 1 mark

More than 30% It will not be marked and will be assigned a mark of

zero (0)

For e-tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for all modules, the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation,

the following schedule of deductions will apply:


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The word count does not include footnotes (provided they contain a reference and are not

part of the assessment), endnotes, bibliography and figures. Tables which contain text will

be included in the total word count, tables which contain numerical data will not.

5.10

It is your responsibility to retain a copy of your e-tivity in the event of any electronic difficulties in

its submission to, or return from, us.

5.11

We will provide you with feedback on all of your e-tivities across all of your modules.

5.12

If you are submitting a dissertation you must submit an electronic copy of the completed

dissertation via the VLE, to arrive no later than the relevant submission deadline.

You are strongly advised to work with your appointed supervisor in the preparation of your

dissertation. Full details of the responsibility of the supervisor, including the responsibility to

review draft chapters, will be provided as part of your learning materials following

registration on the dissertation module.

6 Number of attempts permitted at an examination

6.1

The maximum number of attempts permitted at e-tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for each module is two.

6.2

For all other e-tivities, a third attempt may be permitted at the discretion of the Programme

Director, and subject to mitigating circumstances.

6.3

You will not be permitted to resit any element of assessment which you have passed.

6.4

If you fail a module with a mark between 45-49%, you may be awarded a condoned fail and

have credit awarded in the same way as for passed courses providing the mean average mark

Excess Length Mark Deduction (deductions for dissertation

given in parentheses)

Up to and including 10% 1 mark (5%)

More than 10% up to and including

20%

2 marks (10%)

More than 20% up to and including

30%

3 marks (15%)

More than 30% It will not be marked and will be assigned a mark of

zero (0)


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for your modules is 55% or above. Compensation may be applied if you are entering to

complete the award and is granted at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.

6.5

You may be granted a condoned fail for one module only in the final assessment of a degree.

6.6

If you resit e-tivity 6 for any module, your mark will be capped at 50%.

6.7

If you resit e-tivity 4 for any module, your mark will be capped at 7.5.

6.8

If you submit a dissertation that is otherwise adequate but requires minor amendment, the

Examiners may require you to make any amendments specified by them and to re-submit the

dissertation within a period of four weeks, unless otherwise specified by them. This is still

counted as your first attempt. If the dissertation module is failed completely, you will be required

to submit a new dissertation proposal within a period of four weeks. Submission of the final

dissertation will be required within a period determined by us, normally within six months of the

submission of the new dissertation proposal.

6.9

If you make a second attempt at the dissertation module, your mark will be capped at 50%.

7 Progression within the programme

See section 4 for method of assessment.

7.1

You are required to study the core module/s in the first study session/s following your

registration on the programme.

7.2

You will be expected to complete the elective modules during the subsequent study sessions.

Elective modules may not all be offered at every study session and may be studied in any

order.

7.3

You must attempt and pass e-tivity 6 of a module before you progress to your next module.

Where this is not the case, progression will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, at

the discretion of the Programme Director and Chair of the Board of Examiners

7.4

You must attempt all e-tivities of a module. If you submit e-tivity 6 for a module for which you

have an incomplete e-tivity record we may determine that you have not completed the module’s

assessment requirements and you will receive no mark for e-tivity 6.

7.5

You will be expected to submit your dissertation proposal before attempting your third elective

module.


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The dissertation module is presented in four development stages, which will follow each of

your module sessions, and you must complete each stage to pass the dissertation. The

fourth and final stage of the dissertation will include a dedicated writing-up period prior to

submission of the dissertation.

7.6

If you wish to apply to suspend your study of a module we may carry forward the mark for any

e-tivity already completed for that module. This will be at the discretion of the Programme

Director.

8 Schemes of award

8.1

Modules are marked according to the following scales:

Mark range Classification

70+ Distinction

60-69 Merit

50-59 Pass

0-49 Fail

8.2

The maximum marks available for e-tivities 1 to 5, subject to capping as applicable, are as

follows:

E-tivity 1 – Access and Socialisation - 0

E-tivity 2 – Library Information retrieval - 5

E-tivity 3 – Literature critique (directed) - 5

E-tivity 4 – Essay Proposal - 15

E-tivity 5 – Literature critique (bespoke) - 5

8.3

To calculate the mark for a module, excluding the dissertation, the combined marks for e-tivities

2, 3, 4 and 5, comprising 30% of the module mark, are added to the mark obtained for e-tivity 6

which is scaled to 70%.

8.4

For the dissertation module, the marks obtained for the dissertation proposal and final written

dissertation are combined to produce the overall mark for the module. The final dissertation is

marked out of 100 and is scaled to account for 85% of the module grade. The dissertation

proposal is marked out of 15 and will account for the remaining 15% of the grade.


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8.5

To be awarded the MA, you must have attempted and passed all four modules and the

dissertation, with a weighted average mark of at least 50%.

8.6

To calculate the final grade, all modules, with the exception of the dissertation module, are

weighted equally. The dissertation is double weighted.

8.7

In order to be considered for the award of a Merit you must normally obtain a mark of 50% or

more in each module, a mark of 60% or more for the dissertation and a weighted average mark

of 60% across all modules.

8.8

If you obtain a mark of 50% or more in each module but your dissertation is <2% below the required mark of 60%, the Board of Examiners may choose to award a Merit where your weighted average across all modules is 65% or higher.

8.9

In order to be considered for the award of a Distinction you must normally obtain a mark of 60%

or more in each module, a mark of 70% or more for the dissertation and a weighted average of

at least 70% across all modules.

8.10

If you obtain a mark of 60% or more in each module but your dissertation is <2% below the required mark of 70%, the Board of Examiners may choose to award a Distinction where your weighted average across all modules is 75% or higher.

See Appendix B for information on how to achieve a particular mark.

Exit qualifications

8.11

At the discretion of the Board of Examiners and only in circumstances where you are unable to

fulfil the criteria for the MA, an exit qualification may be awarded as follows:

Postgraduate Certificate in Global Diplomacy for successful completion of two

modules and two dissertation development stages;

Postgraduate Diploma in Global Diplomacy for successful completion of four

modules and four dissertation development stages.

8.12

Both the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Global Diplomacy are provided

as exit qualifications only. There is no provision for progression from the Postgraduate

Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma to the MA.


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8.13

If you accept a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma offered under these

regulations we will not permit you to register or re-register for the related MA at a later date.

Date of award

8.14

The date of award will correspond to the year that the requirements for the award are satisfied.

This will be 1 May if your final assessment was in February or 1 October if your final

assessment was in August.


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Appendix A – Structure of the programmes

New modules that the Programme Director deems relevant and appropriate to develop for

the programme, may be introduced throughout the course of year.

An outline of the module syllabus is provided in Appendix C and further information can be

found on the CISD courses page.

MA Global Diplomacy

One compulsory core module:

GDM010 The Art of Negotiation

+

Three elective modules chosen from:

GDM110 Diplomatic Systems

GDM115 Muslim Minorities in a Global Context

GDM120 Strategic Studies

GDM125 Global Energy and Climate Policy*

GDM130 International Security

GDM135 Global Public Policy

GDM140 International History and International Relations

GDM145 Global Citizenship and Advocacy

GDM150 Global International Organisation: The United Nations in the World*

GDM155 International Economics

GDM160 America and the World: US Foreign Policy

GDM170 Sport and Diplomacy*

GDM275 Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development

GDM280 Trade Diplomacy

GDM330 Gender Conflict and the Middle East

GDM325 Foundations of International Law

GDM305 Digital Diplomacy

GDM175 Global Media

GDM285 Economics, Politics and Society in South Asia

GDM286 Economics, Politics and Society in the Middle East and North Africa

GDM255 Muslim Minorities and the State: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

GDM188 India’s Foreign and Security Policy

GDM194 Pakistan: Security, State and Religion

GDM355 Human and Critical Security

GDM260 Islamic Law in Global Context

http://www.cisd.soas.ac.uk/degree-programme/ma-global-diplomacy-by-distance-learning,23635501


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GDM295 Multinational Enterprises in a Globalising World

GDM360 Political History, Culture and Diplomacy in Iran

GDM192 Afghanistan: Strategic and Geopolitical Perspectives

GDM380 Evolution of Warfare

GDM375 Diplomacy and Power: International Actors in the Middle East

GDM365 Cultural Diplomacy

GDM250 Introduction to Islam

GDM390 Global Economic Policy Debates and Analysis

GDM400 Disarmament History, Theory and Policy

GDM320 Finance, Sustainability and Climate Change

GDM385 Economy, Politics and Society in East Asia

+

One compulsory dissertation module:

GDM200 Dissertation (topic to be directly related to the named award)*

*Credit for up to two modules studied at SOAS (blended learning study) may be allowed in

place of the elective modules indicated.

MA Global Diplomacy: South Asia

Two compulsory core modules: GDM010 The Art of Negotiation

GDM285 Economy, Politics and Society in South Asia

+

Two elective modules chosen from: GDM110 Diplomatic Systems















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GDM175 Global Media


















+





MA Global Diplomacy: Middle East and North Africa


GDM286 Economy, Politics and Society in the Middle East and North Africa

+





https://www.soas.ac.uk/cisd/programmes/ma-global-diplomacy-south-asia/


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GDM175 Global Media


















+






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MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia



+


















GDM175 Global Media















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+






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Appendix B – Assessment criteria

These guidelines reflect the standards of work expected at postgraduate level.

The following criteria will be used in determining the marks awarded for the final written

dissertation. The same criteria will be used in assessing the standard of work achieved for e-

tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for all modules and for the dissertation proposal. The dissertation and

e-tivity 6 are marked out of 100 and the dissertation proposal and e-tivity 4 are marked out of

15 and scaled accordingly.

Distinction 80+ / 15

A mark of 80+ will fulfil the following criteria:

very significant ability to plan, organise and execute independently a research project or

coursework assignment;

very significant ability to evaluate literature and theory critically and make informed

judgements;

very high levels of creativity, originality and independence of thought;

very significant ability to evaluate critically existing methodologies and suggest new

approaches to current research or professional practice;

very significant ability to analyse data critically;

outstanding levels of accuracy, technical competence, organisation, expression.

Distinction 70-79 / 12-14

A mark in the range 70-79 will fulfil the following criteria:

significant ability to plan, organise and execute independently a research project or

coursework assignment;

clear evidence of wide and relevant reading, referencing and an engagement with the

conceptual issues;

capacity to develop a sophisticated and intelligent argument;

rigorous use and a sophisticated understanding of relevant source materials, balancing

appropriately between factual detail and key theoretical issues. Materials are evaluated

directly and their assumptions and arguments challenged and/or appraised;

correct referencing;

significant ability to analyse data critically;

original thinking and a willingness to take risks.

Merit 60-69 / 10-11

A mark in the 60-69 range will fulfil the following criteria:

ability to plan, organise and execute independently a research project or coursework

assignment;

strong evidence of critical insight and thinking;


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a detailed understanding of the major factual and/or theoretical issues and directly

engages with the relevant literature on the topic;

clear evidence of planning and appropriate choice of sources and methodology with

correct referencing;

ability to analyse data critically;

capacity to develop a focussed and clear argument and articulate clearly and

convincingly a sustained train of logical thought.

Pass 50-59 / 7.5-9

A mark in the range 50-59 will fulfil the following criteria:

Ability to plan, organise and execute a research project or coursework assignment;

a reasonable understanding of the major factual and/or theoretical issues involved;

evidence of some knowledge of the literature with correct referencing;

ability to analyse data;

shows examples of a clear train of thought or argument;

the text is introduced and concludes appropriately.

Fail 40-49 / 6-7.49

A Fail will be awarded in cases in which there is:

limited ability to plan, organise and execute a research project or coursework

assignment;

some awareness and understanding of the literature and of factual or theoretical issues,

but with little development;

limited ability to analyse data;

incomplete referencing;

limited ability to present a clear and coherent argument.

Fail 20-39 / 3-5

A Fail will be awarded in cases in which there is:

very limited ability to plan, organise and execute a research project or coursework

assignment;

fails to develop a coherent argument that relates to the research project or assignment;

does not engage with the relevant literature or demonstrate a knowledge of the key

issues;

incomplete referencing;

contains clear conceptual or factual errors or misunderstandings;

only fragmentary evidence of critical thought or data analysis.

Fail 0-19 / 0-2


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A Fail will be awarded in cases which there is:

no demonstrable ability to plan, organise and execute a research project or coursework

assignment;

little or no knowledge or understanding related to the research project or assignment;

little or no knowledge of the relevant literature;

major errors in referencing;

no evidence of critical thought or data analysis;

incoherent argument.

The following criteria will be used in determining the marks awarded for e-tivities 2, 3

and 5 for each elective module:

5/5

• Thorough critical analysis of a range of arguments from a wide literature (e.g. considers

criticisms and defences of positions discussed and provides a clear and convincing

position of own view derived from this discussion)

• Concise and well-structured

• Provides original arguments (e.g. makes original connection to wider academic debates,

formulates an innovative criticism/defence)

• Very clear expression

4/5

• Broad understanding of topic

• Refers to relevant wider literature

• Engagement with academic debate on topic

• Well written

• Appropriate structure

• Some critical analysis with arguments (is able to consider criticisms and defences of

positions discussed)

3/5

• Relevant answer to topic

• Satisfactory understanding and broadly accurate understanding

• Proper referencing

• Clear expression

2/5

• Limited relevance to topic

• Partial/incomplete understanding


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• Unclear expression

• Poor referencing

1/5

• Submitted according to instructions

• Shows basic academic skills such as locating relevant articles through appropriate

search tools such Library catalogue

• Errors in understanding

• Absence of analysis

0/5

• Failure to submit in accordance with instructions

• Unable to illustrate basic academic skills in any meaningful capacity.

• Absence of understanding


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Appendix C – Module Descriptions


You will engage with political debates about the strategic and geopolitical significance of

Afghanistan and analyse the ways in which the region became a site for the Cold War through

U.S. and Soviet direct and indirect interventions. You will also develop a nuanced

understanding of how the ‘war on terror’ impacts upon the region in terms of the struggle to

develop sustainable local governance amidst international security interests.


You will examine the various approaches to the study and understanding of American foreign

policy. Beginning with an introduction to relevant literature and influences, the module goes on

to address US foreign policy-making process. Case-studies will be included, covering both the

Cold War and post-Cold War eras. The module will culminate in an assessment of the nature,

extent and likely development of American global power.


This module will tackle the important topic of Cultural Diplomacy, an increasingly vital

component of public diplomacy and international relations. The module will investigate the role

of culture as a soft power tool to be used as a solution for bridge building and international

dialogue, with the consideration that the 21st Century world’s challenges, such as migration,

radicalization and climate change are largely culture based.

The module will address the theories of culture and diplomacy and their relationship to one

another, whilst asking the questions: ‘how has globalization changed the way in which

diplomacy is practiced?’ and ‘how can the use of culture foster more effective diplomatic

practices?’.

The Cultural Diplomacy module will focus on a study of the key traditional building blocks of

cultural diplomacy – public diplomacy, propaganda and soft power – to enable students to gain

an in depth understanding of where cultural diplomacy fits within the larger international affairs

arena, and to equip them with the skills they need to develop as cultural diplomacy

practitioners.

Students will additionally gain an understanding of the non-state actor led practice of cultural

relations and the key actors engaged in this field, including artists, citizens, NGOs, corporates

and academics, allowing students to develop a well rounded academic foundation in the

complex field of cultural diplomacy.


This module addresses a crucial element of contemporary diplomacy and international affairs,

the role of digital technologies in practices, processes and language of diplomacy. As such, it

will respond to rapidly changing environments for diplomacy and international relations. It will

ask whether, how and in which days does the use of digital technologies in public diplomacy,

soft power, propaganda, influence and persuasion and link these questions to trends and

changes in policies and decision making. In addition, it will adopt a holistic view of processes

and practices, considering how both state and non-state actors are using the expanding digital

spaces and platforms and what these mean for conventional understanding of diplomacy.

Students will gain an interdisciplinary social science foundation, that brings together diplomacy

and media scholarship to address different perspectives on digital diplomacy. By engaging with

a series of key debates related to practice and principle as they will gain an understanding of


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the underlying processes which are shaping societies, polities, and economies in the digital

realm. The module will provide students with an overview of the key topics that they need to be

acquainted with as practitioners of digital diplomacy either formally or informally. It asks

students to reflect on the skills that they have and the requirements to participate in digital

modes of diplomacy. The module aims to introduce students to the complexities of digital

diplomacy and unpack at least some of the key issues to help them navigate their way through

the digital architect of the 21st Century. The readings in the module include a mix of seminal

articles/work by academics from a diversity of disciplines as well as more contemporary policy

papers, media reports and academic articles.


The Middle East has long been an area of interstate conflict and an important area for proxy

conflict of global great powers as well as regional actors. This module will investigate the

Diplomacy and Power politics of key regional and Global actors in the Middle East region and

how they leverage these to achieve their national objectives. This module will also engage with

key international organisations such as the UN and Arab League. It will focus on the region

from the End of the Cold War to the present day.

GDM110 Diplomatic Systems

Through this module students will learn about the conditions in which diplomacy is stimulated

and the nature of different diplomatic systems that arise as a result of variations in these

conditions. Students will also study historical and contemporary case studies from Byzantium to

Ancient Greece and from the French system to a transatlantic system of diplomacy.


This module will consider disarmament as a function and a driver of international and sub-state

affairs, providing opportunities for students to:

Develop broad understanding of the practices of disarmament through appreciating the

current disarmament infrastructure of interlinking regional unilateral, bilateral and

multilateral treaties and practices, and how this developed over time. The course will

focus on disarmament rather than on arms control, non-proliferation, and counter-

proliferation.

Examine disarmament from overlapping disciplinary perspectives, including: its role as

understood in historical, traditional and critical International studies perspectives; the

interrelationship between technologies, armament and disarmament; the sociology of

decision making, looking at relevant national and international communities of policy

makers, non-governmental epistemic communities and grass-roots movements.

Situate these understandings within broader explanations of armaments, arms control,

nonproliferation and disarmament, drawing from security studies and global governance

literatures.

Evaluate different disarmament components and their relative relevance; consider

different ways to measure success or failure of different disarmament tools.

Consider case studies representing different components, including disarmament

achieved through different political levels, and measures designed to control different

armaments.

Investigate current disarmament challenges and proposed solutions across national,

regional and international levels and in different technological domains.


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Consider how lessons learned can be applied in developing novel intellectual and / or

practical tools to address current disarmament challenges.


This module provides students with an interdisciplinary social science foundation to the study of

the Middle East North Africa (MENA). By engaging with a series of key debates related to

economic, political and social change, they will gain an understanding of the underlying

processes which are shaping societies, polities, and economies in the region. The module will

provide students with an overview of the key topics that diplomats in MENA need to be

acquainted with, for example security and diplomacy in the region, modern history and the

effects of colonization, gender, religion and political economy among others. The module aims

to introduce students to the complexities of the region and unpack at least some of the key

issues to help them navigate their way as diplomats working in the region. The readings in the

module include a mix of seminal articles/work by academics as well as more contemporary

policy papers, media reports and academic articles.


This module provides students with an interdisciplinary social science foundation to the study of

the region of South Asia. By engaging with a series of key debates related to economic,

political and social change, they will gain an understanding of the underlying processes which

are shaping societies, polities, and economies in the region. The module will provide students

with an overview of the key topics that diplomats in South Asia need to be acquainted with, for

example security and diplomacy in the region, modern history and the effects of colonization,

gender, religion, caste and political economy among others. The module will introduce students

to the complexities of the region and unpack at least some of the key issues to help them

navigate their way as diplomats working in the region. The readings in the module include a mix

of seminal articles/work by academics as well as more contemporary policy papers, media

reports and academic articles.

GDM385 Economics, Politics and Society in East Asia

In this module students will critically examine the nature, evolution and challenges to the

economy, politics and society in East Asia. You will begin by considering the key theoretical

and analytical perspectives on regional order as well as the role of history in shaping East

Asian regionalism and regional dynamics. You will then proceed to examine the key actors and

processes in regional order-building, flashpoints and contemporary security challenges, and

their implications for the maintenance of regional peace and stability. This module aims to

provide you with the analytical tools to critically examine East Asia’s increasingly complex

security environment and the pathways to regional order. You will develop a keen awareness of

competing theoretical visions of regional order, the historical evolution of order in East Asia, the

key actors and processes in regional order-building and the implications of contemporary

security challenges to regional order.

This module also enables students to build a layered and nuanced account of both historical

and contemporary world politics by which to analyse concrete issues and policies as they

impact East Asia. Specifically you will look at the principle patterns of conflict and cooperation

in the region and to what extent East Asia can overcome its ‘history problem’. Although we will

spend considerable time thinking about concepts and theories, empirical case studies will

inform all the questions we ask. In true comparative fashion our examples will stem from

American hegemony in East Asia, the rise of China, the re-emergence of Japan as a ‘normal’

Asian power, ASEAN, North Korean nuclear challenge, and the crisis in the South China Sea.

In the end you will also explore the future of the region, particularly how the regional order can


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be best conceptualised and achieved in East Asia, the greatest threats to regional peace and

security in the coming decades, and more significantly, whether Asia is about to reoccupy the

centre of the global stage.


War is a continent feature of the international system but warfare itself is an ever-evolving

concept. This course will look at the changes in warfare from the beginning of the Revolutionary

wars of the late 18th century to COIN operations that followed Operation Enduring Freedom and

investigate new forms of warfare such as Cyber warfare and space conflict.


This module aims to introduce students to key themes in investment, the role of capital in

changing historical investment paths to underpin a sustainable and low carbon economic

framework and the development of climate finance. Those engaged in action on climate change

require an understanding of finance in order to create effective global energy and climate

policies, which can use finance and investment frameworks to change historical patterns of

fossil-fuel dependent economic growth models.

Energy and climate change are two of the truly global challenges of the 21st century. While the

connections between the two topics have found increased attention in the social sciences in

recent years, the importance of the role of finance in changing path dependencies has

remained under-explored in both research and teaching. An understanding of finance, the

impact of sustainability and climate concerns on business activities, the role of different actors

and the operation of markets will be critical in effecting a long term shift to a low carbon

economy.


Foundations of International Law is an introductory module suitable for those who have not

previously studied either law or international law. It aims to introduce students both to the

'building blocks' of international law and to basic legal research and writing skills. By reading a

range of theoretical approaches to international law throughout the course (wherever possible

from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East), students will also be encouraged to think critically about

the rule and role of international law in international affairs.

GDM330 Gender, Conflict and the Middle East

This module offers insight into key issues in the study of gender and conflict in the Middle East.

It provides a focus for students interested in women’s studies, feminism, sexuality and gender,

while also offering a gendered approach to the study of conflict in the Middle East. The module

will introduce key issues in relation to the gendered dynamics of violence, conflict, and security.

While focusing on conflict, the course will explore gendered mobilization for peace and wider

political participation. We will be looking carefully at women's roles and agency, but also

address the role of men and contestations of masculinities. Although the focus is on empirical

case studies, we will also cover other relevant issues such as representation, knowledge

production and artistic productions. In highlighting important issues in the study of gender and

conflict in the Middle East, the module aims to challenge prevailing stereotypes about women

and gender in the region, while fostering critical reflection via the use of multimedia, in-depth

case studies and cross disciplinary materials. While engaging in theoretical debates, this

course mainly provides empirical examples of certain core themes.



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This module provides students with an understanding of the theories and skills that allow

students to be a more effective in achieving advocacy objectives. This module demonstrates

how to influence policy at the international, rather than national, level. The module equips the

student to effect the policy changes necessary to meet the aims of the non-governmental and

international organizations. This module focuses upon advocates who wish to achieve change

at the global level, networking across national boundaries and on global issues.

GDM390 Global Economic Policy, Debates and Analysis

The Global Economic Policy Debates and Analysis module is designed to familiarize students

with core policy and reform debates on current global economic governance, with emphasis on

the following areas: international production, international trade and international

competitiveness, international monetary integration and the role of labour in the global

economy. In addition to an in-depth analysis of these policy areas, the course focuses on

providing students with basic theoretical training in the critical analysis of economic policy

design, implementation and enforcement. It places such training in the context of the historical

evolution of international economic policy regimes in the 20th century and the analysis of the

role of changing political configurations in the emergence of contemporary structures of global

economic governance.

GDM125 Global Energy and Climate Policy

This module provides students with an understanding of key themes and approaches in the

study of global energy and climate policy as two closely interrelated global challenges. Climate

change and energy security have impacts well beyond their respective policy arenas. This is

especially the case as the consequences of global climate change begin to materialise and

countries around the world are struggling to shift from high-carbon to low-carbon economic

pathways. The course will familiarise students with historical, technological, political, regulatory

and economic aspects, drawing on a multitude of examples from both the Global North and

South. More specifically, Global Energy and Climate Policy examines the changing role of key

energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear power and renewables, with a view

to national energy portfolios, international energy markets and global climate change

negotiations. It investigates international regime formation and diplomatic landscapes in the

energy and climate change fields, analyses the geopolitical dimensions of energy supply and

demand, and provides a close examination of regulatory approaches to cutting greenhouse

gases.

GDM150 Global International Organisation: The United Nations in the World

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the UN and the

UN system. It examines the context provided by situating the UN within other International

Organisations (IOs). Understanding the heritage, operation, and goals of the UN and its

constituent parts will add breadth and depth to the student experience. The module starts by

examining the ways in which International Organisations came into being and how they evolved

into the United Nations Organisation in 1945. A theoretical foundation is then given, before the

rest of the module concentrates on the ways in which the UN system has changed in recent

years, and asks what the short and medium-term effect of these changes are likely to be.

Particular attention will be given to peacekeeping and collective security, and human rights. A

number of important sub-themes will run throughout: the changing role of the state in the

contemporary global system and how this has had an effect on the working of the UN; the

importance of non-western perspectives on the UN as expressed through the Non-Aligned

Movement (NAM); and critical perspectives on the Security Council.

GDM175 Global Media


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In Global Media we will turn our critical attention to the ways in which media and

communication technologies, operating amidst the complex dynamics of globalisation, can

have a profound impact on our understanding and analysis of diplomacy and international

relations. We will start by examining the early expansion of capitalism, and the shift from

industrial to information economies, followed by the emergence of the ‘cultural’ as an

expanding arena of production and consumption. The module will be punctuated with a series

of important subcategories: What are the links between technology and international

development, and how can we think about them? Why do the media matter to religion? Who

owns the internet, and is access to information a human right? Throughout the course, we will

develop analyses of the ways in which old political, cultural and social boundaries – particularly

those of the nation/state – are challenged by the new networks of an emerging global civil

society. By the end of the module, you will have explored various new forms of affiliation and

solidarity, and developed the capacity to critique how these formations are supported by media

and communication technologies. You will also have started to establish your own critique of

how post-national cosmopolitan identifications coexist with local forms of social and cultural

‘belonging'.


This module provides students with an understanding of key themes and approaches in the

study of Global Public Policy. The module will familiarise students with public policy making in a

context of intensifying globalisation and transnational political contestation. Students will

undertake rigorous and critical analysis of policy and the complex processes by which it is

formulated, adopted and implemented.


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The Human and Critical Security Studies module examines the meanings, mechanisms and

agents of security, acknowledging shifts from the traditional notion of national security to forms

of Human Security and critiques of the state. The module investigates processes and

phenomena that pose direct threats to groups of people and, in doing so, potentially destabilise

or aggravate situations. Famine, the oil trade and AIDS undermine people physically, politically

and psychologically, and on occasions result in further forms of insecurity as people resist,

retaliate or take advantage of volatile situations. The course also incorporates analysis of

contingent – and differentiating – social factors such as age, gender, class and identity and the

way that these shape and are shaped by experiences of security. The course draws on

literature from a range of sources. The academic literature derives predominantly from

Development Studies, Political Science and International Relations. This provides varied

analysis of the nature and function security policy, including policies relating to human security.

In addition to this, there is a rapidly expanding academic literature linking specific threats to

processes of vulnerability, insecurity, terror and globalisation. This is accompanied by literature

by pressure groups working on the issues concerned: on AIDS, famine, corporate

responsibility, the environment and human rights. The UN, itself heavily involved in forging the

meanings of security, has produced documents relating to health, climate change and other

elements covered in the course.


Beginning with the creation of independent India and its borders in 1947, you will acquire the

analytical tools you need to assess how India’s foreign and security policy has evolved over

time. The module will highlight a number of contemporary issues which address both internal

and external security policy in India, including the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)

and India’s bi-lateral relations with its neighbours (principally Pakistan) in relation to borders,

militarisation, and security. You will also evaluate India’s aspirations for global stature at the

international policy level.


This module will focus on the political economy of international economic relations and

economic globalisation. The module has two main objectives: to provide students of differing

academic backgrounds with a basic understanding of the theory of international economics,

and to familiarise them with the practice of international economic relations through the study of

current policy debates about the workings of the contemporary international economy. No prior

knowledge of economics is required.


This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the major debates in the disciplines of

International History and International Relations. The module’s general aim is to allow students

to engage with differentiated approaches to the key issues of International studies. The course

is structured thematically, allowing for an interlinked analytical and narrative account. It is the

blending of historical analysis and conceptual thinking that achieves the module’s aims. A

range of methodologies is employed within the course to illustrate the virtues of each approach

to addressing the course content.


Issues of security and insecurity are central to international relations, as the terrorist attacks of

‘911’ and the Iraq War of 2003 underline. This module affords students with the analytical tools

to think critically and independently about the nature of contemporary international security,


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focusing on developments since the end of the Cold War. Further, the module provides

students with a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of international security in the

contemporary era. It examines the main theoretical and conceptual approaches to the study,

before considering a range of contemporary security issues including: the emergence of a zone

of stable peace in Europe; 'New Wars' in the South; terrorism and proliferation of weapons of

mass destruction; the Iraq War and the future of the Middle East; and the prospects for peace

and security in the Twenty-First Century.


The Introduction to Islam module is an introductory survey course, intended for those students

with little or no previous knowledge of the subject matter. Central to the module is the notion of

"interpretation” of the authoritative textual foundation of the Islamic worldview (the Qur'an and

the Hadith) and the Islamic historical narrative. ‘Historical Preconditions’ exposes students to

the historical context of the foundational period, ‘Authoritative Sources and Different Ways of

Dealing with them’ introduces students to three different ways of approaching Qur'an and

Hadith that have defined distinct fields of Islamic enquiry.

GDM260 Islamic Law in a Global Context

This module enables students to make comparisons, through case law, between countries with

Muslim minority communities and those in which the majority population are Muslim. It will allow

students to examine critically what is meant by ‘Islamic’ as opposed to ‘Muslim law’, the

process of law-making, authority and agency in Islam. The course looks at a variety of selected

legal issues involving property disputes, marriage and divorce, Islamic criminal justice, Islamic

finance, Islamic philanthropy and women's rights.


This module is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the nature and development

of multinational corporations (MNC) and to view this as an evolving and changing process that

has contemporary significance in international studies. MNCs control much of global trade and

financial flows. Their interactions in diplomacy are now with highest levels of government policy

making in both developed and developing economies and their investment impacts affect

citizens across the globe. Their study can no longer be delinked from the processes driving

economic globalization. The course focuses on conveying a sound grounding in political

economy and regulatory issues relating to the operations of multinational enterprises in the

context of changing international patterns of production. The course will allow students to

critically analyse the inter-relationships between MNC operations and their impact in

international studies and diplomacy through the use of relevant theoretical and empirical

literature.


This module explores the development of government policies in non-Muslim countries towards

Muslim minority communities, from the colonial era to the present day. It focuses on eight

countries: Britain, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, and Singapore, using these as

case studies to explore the issues raised in both western and non-western contexts. Upon

completion of this module, students will have acquired the methodological expertise to apply

themselves to the study of other Muslim minorities in different geographic locations living under

different jurisdictions.


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This module gives students an insight into the diversity of Muslim minority communities at a

time when political shifts in Muslim majority countries – such as Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and

across the MENA region – have put Muslim minorities into the spotlight and impacted upon

their relationship with their host countries. The module traces the emergence and development

of Muslim minorities in both Western and non-Western contexts, and examines how Muslims

have forged new identities as they have negotiated their places within their host societies.

The objective of the module is to enable students to understand the interconnecting variables

with respect to class, gender and regional location, as well as religious interpretation and

practice, which have resulted in issues arising uniquely within different Muslim minority

communities. They will consider the ways in which Muslim minorities impact national policies in

non-Muslim states and engage with terms such as ‘integration’, ‘assimilation’, ‘multiculturalism’

and ‘islamophobia’ within different contexts. The course includes an historical overview of

Muslim migrations, aspects of civil society, the interaction of Muslim laws and the state laws of

various jurisdictions, and the role of the media in shaping Muslims’ relationship with their host

environment.


This module will provide an interdisciplinary foundation in the study of Pakistan. Through the

various topics, which will cover its security paradigm, politics, economy, state, society and

religion, you will understand the factors that shape the state and influence its behaviour.


This course will present an interdisciplinary critical overview of the long history of Iran, but with

particular focus on key issues in contemporary Iranian politics, culture and diplomacy. For this

reason, it draws upon expertise in the Department of the Languages and Cultures of Near and

Middle East, of History, Politics, Study of Religions, and Media. It will be available as a minor

option for the MA Near and Middle Eastern Studies, MA Islamic Studies and MA Islamic

Societies and Cultures, to which it will provide a unique focus on Iran. By engaging with a

series of key debates related to history, culture, economic, political and social change, students

will gain an understanding of the underlying and overarching processes which is shaping the

country.

GDM170 Sport and Diplomacy

This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sport

and diplomacy. Understanding sport’s capacity in the field of diplomacy challenges

conventional state based approaches and sheds light upon a plethora of related issues:

including international governance, international business, cultural diplomacy and public

diplomacy. The role of governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee and

FIFA, will be given particular attention as examples of major NGOs engaging in diplomacy.

Sport has increased the opportunity for rivalry and conflict, especially when wrapped in the

cause of nationalism. Through sport, cities and states have represented themselves to, and

communicated with foreign counterparts. In doing so, opposing sides – teams and the citizenry

who support them – come to know one another, creating opportunities to build and sustain

durable, ongoing and peaceful relationships. Such engagements with the ‘other’ simultaneously

produce and reinforce each state and people’s own identity.


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In light of events in the past decade and the multiplicity of different actors involved in Kosovo,

Chechnya, Columbia, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Sudan, DRC not to mention Iraq and

Afghanistan the study of Strategy continues to be relevant to global order in the 21st century.

Given prominence during the Cold War in light of the possibility of catastrophic nuclear

exchange, Strategic Studies’ demise was forecast with the collapse of the communist bloc.

Instead this field of international relations has enjoyed a renaissance in the past twenty years

and this module considers the fundamental question of why this is the case. In doing so this

module addresses a range of strategic influences which shape global politics, including; the

attributes of ‘Power’ and ‘Force’ and concepts at work in Strategic Studies (deterrence for

example); issues of Strategic Culture, Asymmetric/Irregular warfare, technological change,

International Law and the role of international security providers such as NATO. This all builds

toward providing students with the necessary skills to address the relationship between

strategy and policy through a series of case studies from US involvement in Vietnam through to

contemporary conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

GDM010 The Art of Negotiation

This module provides students with an understanding of three interrelated elements of

Diplomacy. The first is the key concepts of diplomacy, the second is the institutional

development from the Renaissance to World War II, and the third looks at the development of

Consular Services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The main part of the module then looks

closely at the 'art of negotiation'. Beginning with a consideration of strategy and tactics, it

proceeds through the main stages of negotiations, takes in diplomatic momentum en route, and

concludes with an examination of the 'packaging' of diplomatic agreements.


Economic and trade issues are increasingly coming to the fore in diplomatic undertakings of

states. This module introduces students to the key theories and issues concerning the dealings

of nations with each other as well as the institutions of global governance that impact trade

relations. This module introduces students to economic theories of trade as well as

international political economy in order to provide a well-rounded introduction to the subject. It

traces the changes taking place in the global trade architecture especially the move from trade

negotiations fronted by the WTO to trade in a multilateral environment and the regulatory

architecture for dispute settlement. This module will focus on relevant issues such as the rise of

China and its influence on global trade, the rise of non-state actors as pressure groups, the

inclusion of non-trade related topics in trade negotiations and finally the 'Brexit' trade

negotiations.

GDM275 Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development (Formerly Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development)

This module provides a grounding in analytical approaches to the political economy of violence,

conflict and development by discussing empirical trends, difficulties of data collection and the

importance of categorization and boundaries to matters of violence. Foundational theories on

conflict and violence including gender perspectives, debates about the origins of human

violence (anthropological, historical, psychological sources of violence) and the role of violence

in historical change will considered. Against this background, the course explores how

development theory has treated violence and conflict at different times before focusing on

competing contemporary theories and claims about the causes and dynamics of conflict. The

focus next shifts to the structures and manifestations of violence including themes related to

boundaries, war economies, inequality, land and the environment. Next students will explore


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different facets of intervening in violent conflict including humanitarian aid, conflict resolution

and reconstruction. The course ends on the links between war/violence, and knowledge

production, discourses and ethics, with a focus on terrorism and the war on terror and the

ethical challenges of conducting research on violence.

Programme Regulations 2019–2020 · For e-tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for all modules, the...

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Transcript of Programme Regulations 2019–2020 · For e-tivity 4 and e-tivity 6 for all modules, the...